Antiseptic drugs inhibit the development and reproduction of harmful microorganisms. The scope of their application is quite wide, from the treatment of wounds and damaged mucous membranes to the disinfection of instruments used in medicine, things and discharge of the patient. These agents are not characterized by selectivity of action, that is, they are active to one degree or another against almost all microorganisms.
If they delay the development or growth of bacteria, then it is considered that this is a bacteriostatic effect, and if they contribute to death - a bactericidal. There are antiseptic drugs that have both of these effects, it all depends on their concentration, duration of exposure, temperature, etc.
Most often, antiseptics are classified according to the class of chemical compounds to which they belong. It should be noted that they can only be used after reading the instructions.
So, chloramine B, a white powder with a slight smell of chlorine, is classified as a halogen. It is soluble in water or alcohol. Most often, this drug is used to disinfect hands, objects, tools (non-metallic only), in the treatment of infected wounds. However, in each case, a different concentration of the solution is used.
This group includes the drug "Pantocide", available in tablets. It can be used to purify water, which occurs within 15 minutes after application.
Antiseptic and disinfectants are necessary in everyday life. It is worth noting here that iodine is known to most. It is made from the seaweed ash. There are 4 groups of drugs containing this substance.
The first of them contain elemental iodine. This includes a solution of alcohol iodine and the drug "Lugol". They are used for external disinfection of wounds, mucous membranes of the larynx, pharynx, inflammation of the skin, etc. Inorganic iodides (potassium and sodium) are also isolated. Another group of these preparations contains organic substances that split off iodine ("Iodoform" and "Iodinol"). They are also used for antiseptic purposes like powders or ointments, for the treatment of purulent infected wounds or ulcers.
Among the oxidizing agents, the Hydroperit preparation, hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate should be noted. The latter is usually produced in powder; it is more commonly known to ordinary people as "potassium permanganate." It is used, like many other antiseptics and disinfectants, diluted in water in a certain concentration. They gargle, lubricate wounds and ulcers, and are used to rinse the stomach in case of poisoning. However, you should be extremely careful when preparing the solution, observing the necessary dosage.
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with a peculiar smell. It is available as a concentrated and weak (3%) solution. It is used for rinsing and washing for diseases such as tonsillitis, stomatitis, etc., as well as for treating wounds.
Classifying antiseptic agents, they secrete acids (they include the drug "Camphocin", boric alcohol, Teymurov paste, etc.), alkalis, aldehydes, salts of heavy metals and others.
Most often, these substances are used in the treatment of purulent wounds, burns and other superficial lesions in which infection is possible. In addition, antiseptic agents are necessary in everyday life, and even more so in medical practice - to handle the patient's things or the tools used. Some of the antiseptics are on sale in pharmacies, such as the same alcohol iodine solution, and their cost is quite low. Others are more difficult to get, for example, "potassium permanganate" for several years has not been sold without a prescription.